Practice Areas

Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd P.C. offers effective advocacy based upon years of experience in defending cases for our clients. We offer a commitment to excellence while maintaining our small firm values. Our firm offers a relationship you can count on regardless of the area to which your case relates.

What We Offer

Regardless of the size of your case, you will be working with an experienced litigator.

You will work, more often than not, with one of our principals.

It is likely that our attorneys will know the attorney on the other side of your case, will have had cases against that attorney, and will be able to tell you what to expect.

You will know our staff and find them to be experienced, trained and responsive. They’ve been with us a long time.

How We Work

Our principals and associates are busy people, and we know you are too. We will work with you to find the resolution you want for your case be that a practical and economical resolution or a “no holds barred” defense. Contact us if you're unsure of the nature of your case.

The rules and requirements for an appeal are very specific. The attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. have experience with matters in the Indiana Court of Appeals, State Supreme Court, and 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. No one begins a case with a plan of having to proceed with an appeal. However, when that appeal becomes necessary, we can bring hands-on experience from our practice in these courts to your appellate case.

Not all insurance claims are alike. There will be times when you are faced with coverage issues on a claim. A thorough well-reasoned interpretation is necessary applying the facts and allegations to the policy language.

Whether you need a coverage opinion, declaratory judgment to be filed, or a defense in a coverage lawsuit, our coverage attorneys can assist you in any of your insurance coverage needs.

Cases involving construction issues can be complex large claims. When physical harm has been alleged, the claimant’s injuries from a construction accident can be significant. The defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. have extensive experience in all aspects of construction claims, including the vigorous representation of companies, the assessment of construction contracts, tenders of defense, and the assessment of insurance coverage specific to the construction project.

Navigating through the Indiana Workers Compensation statute can be a difficult task. Whether you are an employer or workers compensation insurance carrier, when a worker has presented a claim you need to understand what is required and permissible in responding to the claim. The defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. can assist you in any aspect of your defense of a workers compensation claim. We have represented employers and carriers in front of the Workers Compensation Board and our Indiana State Courts in claims involving compensation and medical treatment – as well as those cases where the claimant/employee has alleged bad faith in the handling of his/her claim, and we have defended the decisions made by the employer and/or carrier as necessary.

Navigating through the Indiana Workers Compensation statute can be a difficult task. Whether you are an employer or workers compensation insurance carrier, when a worker has presented a claim you need to understand what is required and permissible in responding to the claim. The defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. can assist you in any aspect of your defense of a workers compensation claim. We have represented employers and carriers in front of the Workers Compensation Board and our Indiana State Courts in claims involving compensation and medical treatment – as well as those cases where the claimant/employee has alleged bad faith in the handling of his/her claim, and we have defended the decisions made by the employer and/or carrier as necessary.

Commercial vehicle accidents present unique issues. Often times, you need immediate legal representation for a driver and/or your company. Other times, you need experienced representation for your company or driver when a lawsuit arises from an accident. For many years, the defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. have handled all aspects involving commercial vehicle accident claims. Whether you need legal representation within minutes after an accident occurs, or representation when a lawsuit is filed, our attorneys will assist you with your specific needs.

When the time comes to mediate your cases, the mediators at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. offer a practical approach to mediation.

Donna Fisher, Becky Maas, and Kim Howard are civil mediators and bring with them an understanding from all sides of a dispute. Donna, Becky, and Kim, as practicing attorneys, have likely had cases similar to yours. Their understanding of the issues, and practical approach that they use every day in their own cases, can serve parties well when seeking resolution.

The area of environmental law is an ever-changing and expanding area. The defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. dedicate a significant portion of their practice to representing individuals, businesses, and companies in cases involving contamination, as well those involving the Indiana Department of Environmental Management concerning property cleanup issues. The defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. understand the science and the law involving these environmental cases.

Further, the scope of environmental coverage under and insurance policy is often contested. At Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C., we can assist you with an environmental insurance coverage assessment.

When a fire claim occurs, you may find that you need legal assistance involving causation and damages. When insurance is involved, you need to ensure that the claimant has complied with the terms of their policy. Examinations under oath may be necessary. When you need this assistance, the defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. have years of experience in all aspects of fire claims from inception through trial.

When your case turns its focus on a product, you need an attorney who understands all aspects of the type of defense needed and the unique issues that can lead to potential liability for the product. From motor vehicle parts to household goods, the defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. have represented businesses and companies in defending a product at issue.

Owners, managers, or service providers of or at a commercial property may find themselves subject to a claim for personal injury due to a condition of that property. The defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. have handled all aspects of these premises liability claims. We can bring a practical defense to your claim based on our vast experience in this area.

When a claim against someone includes an allegation of wrongful death, you need a defense focused on appropriate sensitive liability issues, as well as an accurate evaluation of potential damages as contemplated by Indiana’s Wrongful Death statute. The defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. have represented many persons and companies in these serious matters.

The defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. have vast experience in all aspects of defending motor vehicle accident cases. We can offer you a practical approach to defending your accident claims where a lawsuit has been filed. This approach comes from years of experience, not only in getting these types of cases settled, but also from actual jury trials. We do not waste time or incur fees for unnecessary aspects of the defense. Our defense attorneys know what needs to be done to prepare a matter for potential settlement and then trial, if necessary.

When a member of the public asserts a claim against a governmental entity, understanding the unique liability issues and potential damages are crucial. At Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C., we have represented police departments, cities, towns, and counties. We can lend our experience to your matter involving this unique area of law.

When you have a matter alleging tort damages for odor or trespass due to CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) or AFO (Animal Feeding Operation), you need an attorney with an understanding of the unique issues specific to these cases, and one who has actually handled the defense of such a case. The defense attorneys at Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C. have the experience and understanding of CAFO / AFO matters and can provide assistance to you. Our defense attorneys know what can help and what can hurt in these unique cases and are here to provide support.

About Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C.

Smith Fisher Maas Howard & Lloyd, P.C., is a defense litigation law firm founded in 1993. For over 20 years, we have defended cases covering a wide range of issues including complex construction loss, catastrophic injury, environmental tort, insurance coverage, bad faith, motor vehicle accidents, and premises liability. We take great pride in being People You Know with Experience You Trust.